Consumer Watch: Watch the calendar for the best months to buy goods

photo Ellen Phillips

Happy New Year. Folks often ask the best time to buy certain items, and January is the place to start.

Obviously, we can't always wait until a particular month to buy for a specific occasion or if something breaks or even if we see a phenomenal sale going on.

But if you're shopping in advance, today's column -- research by and compliments of www.lifehacker.com, among others -- is a great clipping to stick up where you can see it all year long.

January: Gas grills; lawn furniture, bikes, air conditioners, furniture, linens and bed sheets, carpet and digital cameras.

February: Tools, chocolate (after Valentine's Day), boats, HDTVs and home theatres, and video games.

March: Luggage, frozen foods, boots and winter wear, houses, vacuum cleaners and golf clubs.

April: Car accessories and parts, used cars, laptops, cookware, cruises, office furniture and snow blowers.

May: Patio furniture (last year's models), party supplies, mattresses and refrigerators.

June: Gym memberships, tools (Father's day sales), dishware, paint and suits.

July: Broadway tickets, furniture, grills and big appliances.

August: Linens and storage containers, outdoor toys and camping equipment, kids' clothes, school supplies and wine.

September: Cars (new), lawnmowers, laptops, bikes, holiday airfare, grills, patio furniture, school supplies and grills.

October: Car accessories and parts, jeans, big appliances, cookware, Broadway tickets and health insurance.

November: Candy, aluminum foil and plastic wrap, cookware, wedding dresses (Nov. 11-Dec. 24), HDTV and home theatre equipment (Nov. 15-Jan. 31), and electronics.

December: Wedding dresses (same as above), HDTV and home theatre equipment (same as above), champagne, golf clubs, pools and tools.

Ellen Phillips is a retired English teacher who has written two consumer-oriented books. Her Consumer Watch column appears every Saturday. Email her at consumerwatch@timesfree press.com.

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